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Phinda Mountain Lodge
Ideal for families, Phinda Mountain Lodge is set on a hilltop with wraparound views of the 28,555-hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve located in KwaZulu Natal. Home to seven eco-systems, the African Big 5, a fascinating variety of wildlife and 436 bird species, a safari of a lifetime awaits. Known for close-up sightings of cheetah and rhino, estuaries and lakes where hippo and crocodile reside and a remarkable WILDChild kids safari program, Phinda Mountain Lodge provides a magnificent wildlife experience for the entire family. Nearby beaches are the breeding ground for Leatherback Turtles and offer guests the opportunity to embark on an ocean safari, snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. With limited vehicle access preventing overcrowding and careful off-roading practices, guests are guaranteed remarkable close-up wildlife encounters. Phinda Mountain Lodge offers guests a variety of other activities including cultural tours, conservation projects, an infrared Night Eye Experience, and turtle hatching expedition in season.
Phinda Mountain Lodge caters to a maximum of 50 guests with communal areas including a massage sala, state-of-the-art gym, interactive kitchen with pizza oven, bar and enchanting boma which is lit with shimmering lanterns for cozy dinners under the African skies. Each suite features expansive glass windows and private decks allowing for breath-taking views of wild landscapes surrounding the lodge. To top it all off, enjoy the luxury of your private plunge pool, perfect for cooling down after game drives, without foregoing any glorious bushveld views for even a moment.
In addition to Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to a family of 5-star lodges, Rock Lodge, Forrest Lodge, Vlei Lodge and Phinda Homestead. All of the lodges offer a unique high standard safari experience in ultimate luxury.
Wildlife:
- Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
- The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
- Other wildlife include but is not limited to giraffe, zebra, varieties of antelope, hippo, warthog, and hyena and more.
- Up to 436 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
- The game drives are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
- 9 seater open safari vehicle (Max. 6 guests per vehicle).
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Outdoor African Boma
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
- Kids lounge
- WildChild children’s programme
Highlights:
- A 5-star safari lodge perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the lush Lebombo foothills.
- Family-friendly safari lodge.
- Iconic rim-flow swimming pool overlooking the reserve.
- 16 Suites, 1 Family suite and 6 cottages (or 3 adjoined family cottages).
- The suites and cottages feature private decks or verandahs with plunge pools.
- The family suite has a verandah that leads directly to the main lodge pool.
- Kids lounge and WILDchild programme for children aged 3–12 years.
- Pan-African al fresco dining under the stars, around a blazing fire in the lodge’s traditional African Boma.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Location:
- The reserve lies between Mkuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Zululand region of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
- KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting there:
- Phinda Private Airstrip is the closest airstrip, Federal Air offers daily scheduled flights directly from Nelspruit to the private airstrip.
- The closest commercial airports are Durban (DUR) or Richards Bay (RCB).
- Flight time from Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 70 minutes
- Phinda Game Reserve is a 3.5-hour drive from Durban, and 2 hours from Richards Bay.
Child Policy:
- Phinda Mountain Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on the game drives unless a private vehicle is hired.
- Children 0 – 5 years stay free of charge.
- Children 6 – 16 years pay 50% of the adult rate.
- Children 6 – 16 years in their own room; 1st child pay the adult rate, 2nd & 3rd child 50% of the adult rate.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages. Private safari vehicles are included with Family suites and Family cottages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 10 January 2026.
Special Offers:
- 15% off for +6 nights stays
- 20% off for +8 nights stays
- Long stay discount exclude Jun – Aug
- Honeymoon offer includes 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
- Honeymoon offer is valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage.
Accommodation Options
An opulent combination of rustic materials and modern design make for a luxurious stay in the Mountain Lodge cottages. Private timber decks with plunge pools and lazy chairs make for relaxing afternoons overlooking bush views from your secluded haven. Read moreEach unit features indoor and alfresco showers, a bathtub, mini-bar, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a ceiling fan. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price $ 921 per person, per night
Luxurious thatch suites at Phinda Mountain Lodge are a blend of organic materials and contemporary finishes. Each unit boasts a private timber deck and plunge pool with remarkable views over the bushveld. Surrounded by indigenous woodland, Read moresuites feature large glass doors and windows and are stylishly fitted with indoor and outdoor showers as well as a bathtub. Further comforts include a well-stocked mini-bar, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and Wi-Fi. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price $ 1,005 per person, per night
With plenty of space to relax, the thatch family cottages host a maximum of 2 adults and 3 children and includes game drives with a ranger in a private safari vehicle. Surrounded by indigenous vegetation, suites feature large glass doors and windows Read moreand are elegantly fitted with a bathtub, indoor-, and outdoor showers. Further comforts include a well-stocked mini-bar, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, and Wi-Fi. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price $ 3,372 per cottage, per night
The family suite hosts a maximum of 8 guests and includes game drives with a ranger in a private safari vehicle. The lodge caters to an extraordinary range of activities for kids, making it a super choice for families. Read moreThe family suite is a beautiful thatch unit decorated in warm organic tones. Air-conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, a bathtub, mini-bar, and stylish lounge area make for a gloriously spacious stay with beautiful views from the private deck. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price $ 4,020 per suite, per night
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